In the fall of 2015, we purchased 3 bred Berkshire gilts. Berkshires are known for their flavourful meat and ability to be grown on pasture. These sows had grown up on pasture and were well accustomed to outdoor life, which is what we wanted. We quickly gave the sows names; Jane Austen, Pig-Wig and Tansy. Two of their daughters were kept as well, Trixie and Wilberta (yes, she was the runt). We have had lots of fun watching the pigs; they have such different behaviours than the other animals we raise.

The sows are bred to farrow (give birth) in the spring. Some of the piglets are sold as weanlings, while others are kept until they are ready to butcher. Our pigs are raised very differently from commercial pork barns, they are never confined in crates or small pens, and spend essentially their entire lives on pasture. Pigs will eat grass and forbs if given the opportunity, but we do also feed them a grain mix. In the winter, they are given lots of straw, and they burrow right in on the cold nights to stay warm.

We usually have pork available from fall until spring, contact us if you are interested in trying some.

Pig-Wig working hard

Getting curious

The pigs enjoying the sun from their straw bed on a winter day.